Pumpkin French Toast is a warm and cozy breakfast treat that brings the flavors of fall to your morning! Made with creamy pumpkin puree and spices, it’s sweet and comforting.
This dish is like a hug in a meal! I love topping it with maple syrup and whipped cream for that extra yum! It’s the perfect way to start a chilly day with a smile. ☕️🍂
Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: These are essential for binding everything together. If you’re vegan or avoiding eggs, try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can easily switch to almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk for a lighter version.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but fresh pumpkin works too! Just steam or roast it first and blend until smooth.
Thick Bread: I love using brioche for its buttery texture, but challah, sourdough, or even whole wheat bread can work well. Use what you have on hand!
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices! If you’re a cinnamon fan, add more, or consider a dash of allspice for extra warmth.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Cooked French Toast?
The key to great Pumpkin French Toast is how you cook it. Follow these tips for success:
- Ensure your skillet or griddle is hot enough before adding the bread. This helps to create a nice golden crust.
- Don’t let the bread soak too long in the egg mixture. Just a quick dip on both sides does the trick. You want it moist, not soggy!
- Cook in batches to avoid crowding the pan. This way, it cooks evenly without steaming.
Keep your French toast warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you finish cooking the rest!
Pumpkin French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 8 slices thick bread (such as brioche or challah)
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Ground cinnamon or pumpkin spice, for garnish
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pumpkin French Toast recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’ll be sitting down to enjoy this cozy breakfast in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Pumpkin Egg Mixture:
In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and everything is well combined. This mixture is what makes your French toast so delicious!
2. Heat Up the Skillet:
Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the surface. This will help prevent the French toast from sticking and give it a lovely golden color.
3. Coat the Bread:
Take your thick slices of bread and dip each slice into the pumpkin egg mixture. Make sure to coat both sides, but don’t let them soak for too long—just a quick dip is perfect!
4. Cook the French Toast:
Once each slice is coated, carefully place them on the hot skillet. Cook on one side until it’s golden brown, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Then, flip the slices and cook on the other side for another 3 minutes, or until it’s nice and cooked through.
5. Keep Warm and Repeat:
Remove the cooked French toast from the skillet and keep them warm on a plate while you repeat the process with the remaining bread slices. You can add more butter or oil as needed to the skillet to keep it nice and slick.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Stack the Pumpkin French Toast on plates and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to make it extra special. If you’d like, you can also dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finish!
7. Savor the Cozy Flavors:
Enjoy your Pumpkin French Toast while it’s warm, perfect for those chilly mornings or any time you want a comforting treat. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast experience!
This recipe yields a rich, warmly spiced pumpkin-flavored French toast that’s fluffy inside with crisp edges, just right for fall or any cozy morning!
Can I Use Almond Milk Instead of Whole Milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk or any other plant-based milk can be used in place of whole milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to maintain the right flavor balance in the recipe.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin egg mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before dipping the bread. You can also cook the French toast ahead of time and reheat it in the toaster oven for a few minutes prior to serving.
How Should I Store Leftover French Toast?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the toaster or a skillet for a few minutes until warmed through, adding a little butter if desired for extra crispiness.
What If I Don’t Have Pumpkin Spice?
No worries! If you don’t have pumpkin spice, you can combine equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to replicate that cozy flavor. Just adjust to your taste!